ManyWriters

For three years, I kept my relationship with Flynn Stewart under wraps. As the youngest and most promising professor at our school, he was also my adoptive brother and teacher. During the day, I played the role of a diligent student, attentively listening to his lectures. But at night, I endured his harsh demands, feeling utterly degraded.
"Livia," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "imagine the principal's reaction if he discovered his beloved goddaughter spent her nights in her brother's bed, succumbing to his desires?"
As he spoke, he left a possessive, punishing bite on my neck.
I squeezed my eyes shut, silent tears rolling down my cheeks. In that moment, I realized that his actions were devoid of love.

Forbidden Lessons, A Professor's Dark Desire

I gazed at my reflection, noticing my inflamed, puffy cheek, and suddenly burst into laughter.


I grabbed my phone and texted my father: [Dad, I've made up my mind to accept the arranged marriage with the Myers family.]


The following day at school, my father summoned me to his office.


"Livia, are you certain about this?" He stood by the window, his voice full of concern.


"Yes, I've given it careful consideration." My tone was steady, a composure I'd achieved after a night of weeping.


He let out a sigh and gently stroked my head. "That's my girl. I apologize for all you've had to endure these past years."


His words resonated deeply within me, and I struggled to hold back my tears. He'd never truly comprehend the pain I'd been carrying.


"Principal, Professor Stewart has arrived," the secretary announced softly from outside.


Flynn entered, his expression darkening upon seeing me.


"Dad, what's going on?" He positioned himself next to me, his presence laden with unspoken tension.


"Flynn, it's regarding your sister and the Myers family. The marriage has been set—they'll be engaged next week," he declared.


The atmosphere instantly grew tense. I could sense the change in Flynn's breathing, now harsh and irregular.


"She's too young. She's not prepared for marriage." Flynn's voice was icy.


My father chuckled, shaking his head. "She's already twenty-three. It's time for her to start a family.


"And Javier is an excellent match—I couldn't be more relieved."


I kept my gaze lowered, avoiding Flynn's eyes, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist. "Dad, I need a word with Livia."


Without waiting for a response, he pulled me out of the room.


"Don't worry, Dad. I just want to have a sincere talk with my sister." He turned back with a well-practiced, polite smile.


In the elevator, we remained silent. His grip on my wrist was so tight I feared he might fracture the bone. As soon as we entered his office, he threw me onto the couch.


"Have you forgotten what I told you?" Flynn snarled. He leaned over me, fury blazing in his eyes.


"Professor Stewart, we're done." I met his gaze directly as I answered. "You have Laica now, don't you?"


"Be quiet!" He seized my chin, forcing me to look at him. "Do you truly believe I'll allow you to marry someone else?"


"Why not?" I retorted. "You, more than anyone, should know—we were never in love."


Before I could finish, he kissed me forcefully, the pressure of his lips carrying a metallic taste of blood. This kiss was more aggressive, more desperate than ever before.


"You're forbidden from dating. You're forbidden from getting engaged. You're forbidden from marrying anyone else." He whispered each sentence into my ear, his voice quivering with anger.


I shoved him away with all my might. "And what gives you that authority?"


"Because you used me as a tool to hurt Dad? Or because you treated me like a toy?"


He froze, his expression faltering for the first time, a glimmer of panic in his eyes. "You overheard everything?"


"Enough." I stood up, smoothing my clothes.


"Flynn, this charade is over. You've achieved your goal, and I don't want to continue anymore."


"Livia!" He reached for me, but I evaded his grasp.


As I opened the door, his voice rang out behind me. "If you dare to marry Javier, I'll—"


Without turning back, I cut him off, "You'll what?"


"Tell Dad how you've been tormenting me for the past three years?"


He remained silent, so I closed the door, and the tears I had been suppressing finally flowed.


I took out my phone and sent a message to Javier.


[For tomorrow's engagement party, could you arrange for a skilled makeup artist? I have some marks on my neck that need concealing.]


This time, I would completely sever ties with the past.


Just as the message was sent, my phone suddenly rang. I looked at the caller ID and a wry smile tugged at my lips.


Chapter 4